President Duterte has told the military to be forgiving and let members of the New People's Army (NPA) get free vaccine shots against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) if they line up for it minus their arms.
(KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
In his public address on Sunday, the President said the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) do not have to respond to his declaration that he will allow them to get vaccinated as long as they behave.
He added that he already asked the military to accommodate the communist rebels if they peacefully line up to get the shots.
"If they (NPA) really want to get their shots (for) free, they can always line up. And I will ask now the military and the police to be forgiving," Duterte said.
"‘Pag nakapila sila doon --- wala namang armas (If they show up without their arms) --- just to get the shots, give it to them. After that, if you go home, then we fight again but on even grounds. I want you to stay healthy because my soldiers are very, very healthy," he added.
President Duterte said the military will be the first in line for the vaccine once it arrives in the country.
"They (soldiers) should be getting the first shots of the vaccine should we acquire them in due time," he added.
Protest all you want
The President told the communist rebels and other protesters to protest all they want and they will even be allowed to stay on the streets despite the threat of COVID-19.
"If you want to protest, go ahead. I myself will sign the permit," he said.
"'Pag maghingi ka ng tatlong araw, magagalit ako. Gawain mong 10 araw. Diyan ka sa --- magbabad kayo (I will be mad if you only ask for three days. Make it 10, stay there on the streets). Protest to the high heavens," he added.
Duterte also advised them to not use the Lord's name in vain especially if they are not helping the government in the fight against the pandemic.
"For as long as you are not a part of the government and you do not know better, worse is you pretend to be an adviser tapos sabihin mo --- mag-tweet ka (and then you'll send a tweet), 'God help this country.' Huwag na nating distorbohin ang Diyos (Let us not disturb God)," he said.
"Tapos magsabi, 'Bakit hindi mo kami in-advise-an?' (And then you'll ask me why didn't we ask for your advice) So what can you advise about COVID?" he added.